Nelson's fishing fleet to be blessed

Nelson's fishing fleet is being blessed as the hoki season gets under way.

It's an annual event in Nelson which pays tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea and blesses fishing vessels.

The Nelson City Brass band will play at the Seafarers' Memorial in the city from noon today, while the fishing boats line up along Wakefield Quay.

The blessing ceremony will begin about 12.30pm, led by Bishop Richard Elena, Reverend Jeff Cotton, Father David Gruschow and Archdeacon Andy Joseph.

Music will be provided by the Nelson Male Voice Choir, the Nelson Christian Academy and lone piper Perry Smith.

Pigeons will be released at the end of the service.

"Ceremonies like this have been held around the world for centuries, but this Nelson event is unique in New Zealand - it's a colourful ceremony in a beautiful location," Seafarers' Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says.

"It's truly valued by families that have lost members at sea as a way to remember them, when often there is no grave to visit."